Asymmetrical Handgrip Strength Is Associated with Lower Cognitive Performance in the Elderly

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neuroscience
• Public Health

Background:

• Previous research indicates handgrip strength (HGS) may correlate with cognitive function.
• A gap exists in understanding the association between asymmetrical HGS and cognitive performance.
• This study investigates the link between HGS asymmetry and cognitive function in older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between asymmetrical handgrip strength (HGS) and cognitive performance in elderly individuals.
• To determine if HGS asymmetry is a predictor of cognitive deficits in the aging population.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from 2729 participants aged 60+ from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2011-2014).
• Assessed cognitive function using the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD) word learning/recall, Animal Fluency Test, and Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST).
• Measured handgrip strength (HGS) using a dynamometer to calculate HGS asymmetry.

Main Results:

• All cognitive performance scores showed significant correlations with HGS asymmetry across both age groups (60-69 and 70+).
• Adjusted analyses revealed a significant association between DSST performance and HGS asymmetry in both age groups.
• A significant association between CERAD test performance and HGS asymmetry was observed only in the 70+ age group.

Conclusions:

• Low cognitive function is associated with asymmetrical handgrip strength (HGS) in US elderly participants.
• Asymmetrical HGS may serve as a significant predictor of cognitive deficits in older adults.
• Further research is needed to confirm these findings and elucidate underlying mechanisms.